Navigating Complex Interdependence: An In-Depth Analysis of Iran and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Engagement with the BRI in the Middle East

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), spearheaded by China, is reshaping the global economy, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This article focuses on Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), scrutinizing how the BRI has catalyzed economic changes in these countries. Using qualitative and quantitative data, it analyzes their unique responses to the BRI, considering their economic challenges and political goals. Employing the theory of complex interdependence, it examines how both countries leverage the BRI to diversify their economies and enhance cooperation, altering their global positions. This analysis highlights the BRI’s profound impact on Middle Eastern geopolitics beyond its economic implications. This study offers a more analytical understanding of its significance by providing insights into the BRI’s role in global economic dynamics.